Cultivating Unity in Divisive Times
I’m going to be honest, this week has been tumultuous. It’s hard when there is so much turmoil and discord in the world. The news feels heavy, the conversations around it feel combative, and everywhere you look there seems to be more division than connection. It’s disheartening and it hurts my heart to see how quick people are to argue, label, and write one another off.
And yet, I think what many often forget is that we are still human beings who long for peace, connection, and belonging. We may hold different opinions, but that does not erase the fact that we share far more in common than we sometimes realize. We forget that on an everyday basis, politics may only make up a fraction of our lives, yet it too often defines the whole of who we are in the eyes of others.
At our core, most of us are striving for the same things: peace, freedom, safety, and the chance to live a good life. More often than not, the difference lies not in the goal but in our opinions about how to get there. If we can hold on to that truth—that we are united in what we want for ourselves and our communities—we can begin to have healthier, more productive conversations.
For me, I may be steadfast in my beliefs, but I am always open for my mind to change. That openness allows conversations to be fruitful rather than combative. And in the end, if we still don’t agree, that’s okay. We can leave it at that.
This is where emotional intelligence comes in. It means pausing before reacting, seeking to understand rather than rushing to judgment, and offering empathy even when it feels difficult. The way we carry ourselves has a ripple effect. The energy we bring into a conversation influences our homes, workplaces, and communities more than we realize.
And on this page we talk about what it means to be elegant and part of living with elegance is learning how to bring that same grace into our conversations. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that elegance is not only in how we dress or carry ourselves, but in how we listen, respond, and engage with others. There is an art to having articulate, productive, and respectful conversations, even when they involve disagreement.
A few practices that I try to embody—and am consistently working on myself—include:
Listen fully before responding. Most people listen only to reply; elegant communication listens to understand.
Ask thoughtful questions. Curiosity is disarming and shows you value the other person’s perspective.
Stay calm and composed. Elegance is rooted in poise. A measured tone and body language prevent escalation.
Acknowledge common ground. Even in disagreement, point out what you share—it keeps the conversation human.
Know when to gracefully exit. Not every discussion needs a resolution. It’s okay to say, “I see your perspective. Let’s leave it there.”
These are not easy things to do, and I fall short at times, but I believe that making the effort matters. Even the smallest shifts can transform conversations from arguments into opportunities for connection. They reflect not only emotional intelligence but also the quiet power of elegance.
I hope this article is helpful and it shows how much I care for every single one of you readers. It’s hard when there is so much going on in the world and we get stuck with how we can make a difference, but it truly starts with us. It starts with how we love, how we have difficult conversations, and how we show up within our communities. I have a fire in my belly to share my thoughts, my love, and to bring value to this world. And if you feel the same, I’m with you. Let’s do this together!